Staff Hardware Engineer

Sony Electronics Inc. is looking for the risk-takers, the collaborators, the inspired and the inspirational. We want the people who are brave enough to work at the cutting edge and create solutions that will enrich and improve the lives of people across the globe. In addition to competitive pay and benefits, we offer an environment and culture that promotes Diversity, Equity and Inclusion.  In addition, our team members enjoy innovative work-life balance opportunities including a hybrid home/office workplace, monthly “Free Fridays”, and early shutdowns on Fridays throughout the year (including half-days during the summer).

So, if you want to join a “Best Place to Work” company and make the world say wow, let's talk.

The Technology and Engineering Center of America (TEC-A) is seeking an eager and innovative Staff Hardware Engineer to join our experienced team!  This is an on-site position based at Sony Electronics U.S. Headquarters in San Diego, CA.

Job Responsibilities:

• Understand and execute virtual production workflows:

• Pre-production: implement camera tracking systems; design virtual sets and VFX environments using tools such as Unreal Engine.
• Stage Setup: set up large LED walls; use camera tracking for dynamic background rendering according to camera perspective.
• Production: render virtual backgrounds in real-time using Unreal Engine or equivalent software.
• Postproduction: apply color grading and additional visual effects as required.

• Configure and manage a small virtual production system, including Unreal Engine, Camera tracking system, Cameras, LED wall with Controller (Megapixel, Brompton, Novastar)
• Provide technical support to existing and prospective clients in the use of display technologies, including LED walls, ProBravia displays, Projectors
• Assist with building, setting up, and calibrating large LED wall volumes.
• Troubleshoot video processing issues in SDI/HDMI/DisplayPort environments.
• Research emerging technologies related to displays, cameras, and video processing, along with associated peripheral equipment.
• Develop prototypes for displays and video processing for potential implementation into future Sony products.
• Collaborate across the industry to build relationships and ensure Sony products align with customer and market expectations and requirements.
• Address unanticipated market-related issues in a timely and appropriate manner, as dictated by customer circumstances.

Required Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or related field
• 5+ years of relevant hardware engineering experience
• Experience with Unreal Engine for Virtual Production, including C++ development, real-time rendering and virtual production pipeline
• Familiarity with video walls and their operation
• Understanding of camera systems (video and still imaging)
• Experience with video processing, HDMI, DisplayPort, and basic display system block diagrams
• Solid understanding of picture quality and color systems
• Mechanical aptitude for setting up large display and camera tracking systems for virtual production
• Ability to work independently, learn quickly, and adapt to new technologies

Preferred Education/Experience:

• Experience with schematic capture and PCB layout for high-speed video systems
• Experience with Unreal Engine for Virtual Production, including Blueprint scripting, camera tracking and integration

Travel Requirement:

• Up to 25% of time, utilizing automobile, plane, and/or public transportation (includes ride-share)

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to effectively operate a digital computer system (e.g., computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, etc.) 70% of the time.
• Ability to compose written communications (e.g., emails, messages) and documents either via writing, typing, text-to-speech dictation or other methods.
• Ability to access, understand, and apply information from written or digital materials.
• Proficient in verbal communication and hearing (with or without hearing aid or other accommodation) to interact effectively in person, via voice or video calls or other device-based communication methods, or during in-person meetings.
• Sufficient visual acuity to meet specialized job requirements, with or without corrective lens.
• Ability to easily distinguish between different colors.
• Ability to perform tasks requiring a high degree of physical coordination, mobility, and balance, such as operating specialized equipment or climbing ladders. T